STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-April 1, 2023-‘Bears in the Air’ will be as commonplace as wildlife in the city when the Steamboat Springs Police Department takes their eyes to the sky in an innovative way to enforce speed control and combat unsafe motorists through a new aerial drone surveillance program.
“We do our best to conduct speed enforcement but frequently get called away to more serious altercations like domestic violence or felony incidents,” said Interim Police Chief Mark Beckett. “The new drone program will not only take our enforcement to new heights but also increases our presence over a much wider area.”
The first SSPD officers completed aerial drone training through the Steamboat Springs Airport’s new Precision Flight Controls CR-12 ProPanel AATD simulator. The PFC Simulator is an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) allowing pilots to log time while obtaining or maintaining instrument proficiency with the FAA.
To fly a drone as a commercial pilot in Colorado, individuals are required to follow the requirements of the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule, which includes passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. SSPD took the certification a step further and each officer/pilot completed a minimum of 75 hours on the simulator to obtain pilot efficiency.
“Don’t say we haven’t warned you,” continued Beckett. “As this program gets off the ground and is soaring overhead, motorists should think long and hard before speeding around Steamboat Springs.”
Currently, California and several other western states with wide areas to cover are using drones to monitor and enforce speed requirements. If successful, the aerial speed deterrent program could expand to the Routt County Sheriff’s Office or other regional law enforcement agencies across Northwest Colorado.
The speed limit on city streets is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. School zones have lower speed limits during school hours (7am to 5pm).
All individuals who believed this report are guilty of falling for a time-honored April Fool’s joke. YES, this is not true, and it really is a fake tale! Regardless, please SLOW DOWN!
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Mark Beckett, Interim Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Rich Brown, Interim Commander, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email